Hawke’s Brewing Co., the Marrickville-based, independent brewer named after former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, has introduced a bespoke gaming machine, the ‘Game for Good’. It’s a play on the classic pokies machine, but with a twist: the “takings” go towards environmental causes.
Developed in collaboration with tech innovation company Nakatomi, the machine will be stationed within Hawke’s’ hospitality venue, The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre. Guests who purchase a beer from the bar will receive a donation token, granting them access to the game.
Operated by an algorithm devised by Nakatomi, the machine provides players with opportunities to win various prizes, including Hawke’s beer, merchandise, and snacks from the venue’s Lucky Prawn Chinese Restaurant.
When a player unlocks the “jackpot,” the total amount is directed towards supporting local environmental organisations. Additionally, players have the option to donate the value of their prizes directly to the jackpot pool.
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The ‘Game for Good’ is partially powered by solar energy sourced from the brewery’s 100kW rooftop solar farm, one of the largest installations of its kind in Sydney’s inner west.
Its game, titled ‘King of The Climate,’ is an homage to Bob Hawke’s environmental advocacy during his tenure as Prime Minister.
David Gibson, co-founder of Hawke’s, described the ‘Game for Good’ initiative as “a parody” of a vintage “one arm bandit” pokies machine.
“In this case, our guests can play without the harm associated with pokies,” Gibson said. “Instead, every token put into the machine will equate to a real contribution to a local environmental group in the form of a real payout.”
Gibson described the company’s existential commitment to environmental cause.
“The Hawke’s journey started with Bob Hawke passing on his royalty share to help the company support environmental causes. Since then, every Hawke’s beer enjoyed has helped us keep that promise.
“The ‘Game for Good’ is a continuation of that spirit, while delivering an important message around our collective gamble with the environment. Ultimately, if the environment loses, we all lose. If it wins, we all win.”
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